Create A Wedding Bunting Banner: Easy Diy Guide

Bunting banners are a fun and cute addition to any type of decor, be it a wedding, engagement party, bridal shower, or cake table decor. They can be made from paper, fabric, or cardboard, and can be hung from ceilings, between cupcakes, or along walls and tables. With just a few simple steps, you can create a beautiful and personalised bunting banner for your special day. In this article, we will discuss the supplies needed, the step-by-step process for creating a fabric bunting banner, and some tips for customising your banner to match your wedding theme.

Choosing materials and colours

When making a wedding bunting banner, the materials and colours you choose will depend on the overall aesthetic you're trying to achieve. For example, if you're going for a vintage look, you might want to use fabric from vintage sheets found in resale shops. If you're creating a rustic-style banner, you might opt for burlap material.

For a more classic or elegant look, you could choose a colour scheme that complements your wedding colours. This might be soft pastel tones or bolder shades, depending on your preference. You can also mix and match different patterns and fabrics to create a unique and eclectic banner.

If you're using fabric, cotton is a good option as it will give your banner a crisp and neat appearance. You can also add embellishments like lace or pom-pom trim to the edges of your banner to give it a more intricate and decorative look.

If you're looking for an easy, no-sew option, you can create a paper bunting banner. This can be made with cardstock, scrapbook paper, or even glitter cardstock for a touch of sparkle. You can also mix and match different colours, patterns, and textures to create a unique and personalised banner.

Regardless of the materials and colours you choose, your wedding bunting banner is sure to add a festive and celebratory touch to your special day.

Cutting the fabric

Start by deciding on the size and shape of your bunting flags. A common size for bunting flags is approximately 6 inches wide and 8 inches long. You can adjust the size up or down depending on your preference and the overall length of the banner you want. Remember to add a half-inch to the top width of your flags to account for the fold-over when creating the casing for the string or ribbon. You can use a traditional triangular flag shape or experiment with other designs such as rectangles, pennants, or even heart shapes for a unique touch.

Choose a lightweight fabric that will drape nicely and is easy to work with. Cotton, polyester, or a blend of both are good choices and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Consider the theme and color scheme of your wedding when selecting your fabric. If you're creating a rustic or vintage-style banner, opt for fabrics with a softer, worn-in look, or go for a crisp and elegant fabric like silk or satin for a more formal affair.

Purchase enough fabric to allow for errors and ensure you have plenty for the number of flags you plan to make. As a general rule, allow for at least 10% extra fabric. If you're using multiple fabrics, ensure you have enough of each, especially if they are being used for specific elements like a particular pattern or color in your design. It's always better to have a little extra than to find yourself short halfway through the project!

Now it's time to cut your fabric. Using a sharp pair of fabric scissors, carefully cut out each flag, ensuring that you follow the marked lines or templates. Take your time and try to cut as straight and evenly as possible. Any uneven edges or mistakes will be noticeable once your banner is assembled, so precision is key. If you're a beginner, you may want to practice on some fabric scraps first to get a feel for the scissors and the cutting technique.

Once all your flags are cut out, it's a good idea to finish the raw edges of the fabric to prevent fraying, especially if your banner will be used outdoors or in a windy location. You can use a serger to quickly finish the edges, or opt for a simple folded hem. Fold over the raw edge by about a quarter of an inch, and then fold it over again, encasing the raw edge. Press with an iron and then stitch along the inner fold to secure. Repeat this process for all four sides of each flag.

Finally, if you plan to add any embellishments or decorations to your flags, such as lace trim, embroidery, or appliques, now is the time to do so. Carefully position and attach your chosen embellishments, ensuring that any glue or adhesive is suitable for use with fabric and won't show through. If you're using multiple layers or attaching heavier items, you may want to use a fabric glue or a few small stitches to ensure they stay securely in place.

Stitching the fabric

Now that you have your fabric cut out, it's time to start stitching! Place the two triangle pieces that will form one segment of your bunting together, with their right sides facing each other. Align the edges and pin them together.

Use a quarter-inch seam allowance and stitch the two triangles together along the two sides, or the sides and bottom, leaving the top edge open. You can use a sewing machine or hand stitch, whichever you're most comfortable with.

Once you've stitched the first side, it's time to clip the corners. Carefully clip the corners of the triangle, as well as the point, being sure not to cut the stitches. This will help create nice, crisp corners when you turn the triangle right side out.

Now, turn each triangle inside out and use a pencil or chopstick to push out the corners from the inside. You want to make sure the corners are nice and sharp. Give the triangles a good press with an iron to make them nice and flat. If your triangles aren't sitting flat, you can topstitch the edges to keep them in place.

Finally, it's time to attach the triangles to your bias tape or ribbon. If you're using double-folded bias tape, open it up and slip the raw edge of the triangle up to the fold, pinning it in place. If you're using ribbon, fold it in half lengthwise and press it with an iron, then insert the triangle's top edge between the two layers of the ribbon.

Place your triangles about 1-2 inches apart along the tape or ribbon, depending on your desired look and the distance you need to cover. Once you're happy with the placement, stitch the triangles in place along the top edge. Use a zig-zag stitch for added durability, and to catch all the edges of the tape or ribbon.

And that's it! Your fabric bunting is now stitched and ready to hang.

Attaching the bunting to ribbon or string

Step 1: Prepare the Ribbon or String

Cut the ribbon or string to your desired length, which will be the length of your banner. You can use a variety of materials for this, such as heavy-duty jute twine, ribbon, or yarn.

Step 2: Prepare the Bunting Flags

If you are making fabric bunting, ensure that your flags are ready to be attached. This includes cutting out the flags, sewing them together, and pressing them flat. For paper bunting, cut out your desired shapes and consider using pinking shears to create a neat zig-zag edge that won't fray easily.

Step 3: Positioning the Bunting Flags

Decide on the spacing between each flag. For fabric bunting, you can attach the flags directly to the ribbon or string. Place the first flag about 2 feet from the end of the ribbon/string, and then space the remaining flags 1-2 inches apart. For paper bunting, you will need to create holes in the top of each flag for stringing.

Step 4: Attaching the Bunting Flags

There are a few methods for attaching the bunting flags:

• For fabric bunting, you can sew the flags onto the ribbon or string. Use a zig-zag stitch for a stronger and more durable finish.
• For a no-sew option, use fabric glue or a hot glue gun to attach the fabric flags to the ribbon or string.
• For paper bunting, string the ribbon or string through the holes at the top of each flag. You can also use adhesive foam squares to attach letters or embellishments to the flags before stringing them together.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once all the flags are attached, you can add finishing touches to the ends of the ribbon or string. Consider adding a loop to each end for hanging, or leave a longer length of ribbon/string to create a bow.

Your wedding bunting banner is now complete and ready to be displayed!

Hanging the bunting

Now that you've crafted your wedding bunting, it's time to hang it up! Here are some tips and ideas on how to display your beautiful creation:

• Ceremony aisle: Line your ceremony aisle with bunting to create a charming walkway towards your wedding altar. You can secure the bunting to chairs or posts along the aisle, or attach it to stakes for an outdoor ceremony.
• Dessert table: Add a festive touch to your dessert table by hanging bunting across the front. This will make for some adorable photos as you and your guests indulge in sweet treats.
• Reception table: Bring colour and cheer to your reception tables by hanging bunting above them. You can drape it across the tables or attach it to the chairs for a whimsical touch.
• Wedding arch: If you're having a wedding arch, drape some bunting across it for a unique and playful backdrop to your ceremony. You can also use the bunting to frame a backdrop, such as a macrame wall hanging or a floral installation.
• Backdrops for photos: Hang your bunting as a backdrop for photo ops! It will add a fun and festive touch to your wedding photos. You can even create a photo booth area with the bunting as the backdrop, providing props for guests to pose with.
• Outdoor spaces: If you're having an outdoor wedding, use bunting to decorate trees, fences, or any other features in your venue. It will add a whimsical and festive touch to your celebration.
• Mix and match: Don't be afraid to mix and match different shapes, sizes, and colours of bunting. You can even combine fabric and paper bunting for a unique look. Play around with different combinations to find what you like best.
• Hanging methods: There are several ways to hang your bunting. You can use push pins, nails, or hooks at each end of the ribbon or string. Alternatively, you can tie the ends in a loop and hang them from hooks or nails. For lighter bunting, you can even use tape to hold it in place.

Frequently asked questions